TRPA Approves Tahoe Shoreline Plan and Development Rights Changes

After 31 Years TRPA Approves New Lake Tahoe Regional Shoreline Plan

(Wednesday October 24, 2018) Big news has come to surface at Lake Tahoe with the newly approved TRPA Shoreline Plan and development rights changes. After years of collaboration with a wide range of planning partners, the new Shoreline Plan as well as the changes to the agency’s development rights system will take effect in January of 2019. The overarching goal of the Shoreline Plan was to enhance the recreational experience along Lake Tahoe’s shores while protecting the environment and responsibly planning for the future. Changes to the Development Rights on Lake Tahoe will provide more flexibility and simplicity while also maintaining the overall cap on development potential in the Tahoe Basin.

“These landmark decisions show collaboration is alive and well at Tahoe and leading to real progress,” said Joanne S. Marchetta, executive director at TRPA. “The new Shoreline Plan will improve recreation access and experiences on the lake, as well as the environment along the shoreline. These needed changes to the development rights system will make it easier for the private sector to invest in projects that benefit Tahoe’s environment, communities, and housing options.”

“The 2012 Regional Plan was a paradigm shift for Tahoe, recognizing the need for greater private investment to meet environmental goals,” said Jen Self, senior long-range planner at TRPA. “With redevelopment we see numerous environmental improvements, such as the installation of stormwater systems to protect lake clarity, scenic upgrades, and more energy efficient buildings. These changes are all about making the development rights system more flexible to encourage this type of redevelopment while also maintaining our environmental protections.”